LEADING REHABILITATION AND CLINICAL CARE
Dr. Nicole Anderson
Senior Scientist
PREVENTION IS THE BEST MEDICINE
There is currently no known cure for dementia. Until a cure is
discovered, it's important to develop tools and interventions
that prevent or slow its progression. Dr. Nicole Anderson's
research looks at the measures we can take in our everyday
lives to maintain cognitive functioning and reduce the risk of
developing dementia.
In one ongoing study, she is exploring the protective
benefits of volunteer work for people over the age of 55.
The BRAVO study (which stands for "Baycrest Research
About Volunteering among Older adults") is based on the
understanding that older adults who engage in more physical,
cognitive and social activity in their daily lives demonstrate
better cognitive functioning and a lower risk of dementia. The
study assesses subjects at different stages of their volunteer
program, factoring in the complexity of their volunteer
role, to determine whether – and to what degree – these
activities help to protect individuals' physical, cognitive and
psychosocial functioning.
research.baycrest.org/viewbook
